Thursday, 23rd October, 2014
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes his side’s first goal was key to their 5-0 thrashing of Malmo in the Champions League last night.
The Spanish champions toiled hard but failed to find the back of the net in the first half of the contest at the Vicente Calderon.
But Koke’s goal in the 48th minute opened the floodgates as Atletico Madrid pumped in four more through Mario Mandzukic, Antoine Griezmann, Diego Godin and Alessio Cerci to register their second consecutive win in the Champions League.
“We were close to scoring in the first half but we improved our finishing in the second,” Simeone told UEFA’s official site.
“Our first goal broke their defensive structure.”
relatedNewsStory
Simeone also reserved special praise for his summer signings Griezmann and Cerci, who joined Atletico Madrid from Real Sociedad and Torino respectively.
“Griezmann was anxious to score, like any other forward. He did a good job and is now closer to the player we need and the player he actually is,” he added.
“Cerci could play as a striker because he causes problems for opponents and that is the reason he played in this position.”
Atletico Madrid are currently atop Group A by virtue of having a better goal difference to Olympiacos, with both teams having six points from three games.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
